We repair the Dell Vostro 15 5501 at our workshop in Bermondsey, from cracked screens and worn batteries to board faults and data recovery. It is a 15.6-inch laptop from 2020. Both the drive and, on most configurations, the memory can be upgraded, which makes it a good candidate for a refresh.
- Model number
- 5501
- Released
- 2020
- Type
- Laptop
- Screen
- 15.6-inch
- Storage
- M.2 SSD, plus a 2.5-inch bay on some configurations
- Memory
- SODIMM slots
Dell Vostro 15 5501 repairs and upgrades
Screen replacement
Cracked, flickering or lined 15.6-inch screens are replaced with a matching panel. Where the picture comes and goes as the lid moves, we check the display cable and hinges first.
Price confirmed before work starts
SSD and storage upgrade
The Dell Vostro 15 5501 has an M.2 slot and, on some configurations, a 2.5-inch bay. Machines that shipped with a hard drive are much faster once moved to an SSD.
Price confirmed before work starts
Memory upgrade
Most configurations of the Dell Vostro 15 5501 have SODIMM memory slots, so memory can be increased. We check what is fitted and the maximum the board supports.
Windows repair and reinstall
The Dell Vostro 15 5501 meets Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements in most configurations. We upgrade from Windows 10, which reached end of support in October 2025, or reinstall Windows 11 cleanly with your files kept.
Battery replacement
The battery is internal and held by screws. We fit a new one, then calibrate and test it under load. At this age, short runtime and sudden shutdowns usually point to a worn battery and not a board fault.
Price confirmed before work starts
Charging port and power repair
We replace worn charging sockets and repair USB-C ports and charging circuits at component level. The adapter is tested first, because it is the cheapest thing to be wrong.
We also carry out keyboard and trackpad repair, motherboard repair, liquid damage repair, overheating and fan repair, hinge and casing repair, virus removal on the Dell Vostro 15 5501, along with USB, HDMI and audio port repair, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card replacement, webcam and speaker faults, BIOS password removal with proof of ownership and data transfer to a new machine.
Known issues with the Vostro range
- Vostro models share much of their design with the Inspiron range, including hinge mounts that loosen over time.
- Most have an M.2 slot and many also have room for a 2.5-inch drive, which makes storage upgrades easy.
Data recovery from the Dell Vostro 15 5501
The SSD in the Dell Vostro 15 5501 can be removed and imaged on our own equipment, so files can usually be recovered even when the machine will not start. Recent Windows machines often have device encryption or BitLocker switched on. If so we will need the recovery key, which is normally saved in your Microsoft account.
Estimate the cost with our data recovery calculator, or read about recovering files after a ransomware attack.
Where the Dell Vostro 15 5501 sits in the range
Its nearest relatives in the Dell Vostro range are the older Dell Vostro 15 3590 (2019) and the newer Dell Vostro 15 3510 (2021).
Questions
Can the SSD or memory in the Dell Vostro 15 5501 be upgraded?
The M.2 SSD can be replaced, and some configurations also have a 2.5-inch bay. Memory is in slots on most configurations and can be increased.
My Dell Vostro 15 5501 will not turn on. Is my data lost?
Usually not. The drive is separate from the fault in most cases, and we can remove it and copy your files even if the machine itself is not worth repairing.
Is a 2020 Dell Vostro 15 5501 still worth repairing?
It depends on the fault. A battery, SSD or charging socket is usually worth doing. A major board repair on an older machine may cost more than the machine is worth, and if that is the case we will say so.
Where do I find the model number on my laptop?
The model name is on the base label or palm rest. The 7-character Service Tag on the base identifies the exact build. For this model, look for 5501.